Tiji Festival Trek in Upper Mustang

Name: Tiji Festival Trek in Upper Mustang
Brand: Wilderness Excursion
Price: 1899 USD
Availability: InStock
Rating: 5 (2 reviews)

159 Reviews in Tripadvisor

Recommended by 99% of Travelers

Duration

13 Days

Trip Grade

Medium Hard

Maximum Altitude

4230 Meter

Group Size

Min 2 Pax

Activities

Trekking, Cultural Exploration

Starts

Pokhara

Ends

Pokhara

Best Time

May

The Tiji Festival in Lo Manthang, Upper Mustang, is a three-day Buddhist ceremony in May, celebrating the myth of Dorje Jono defeating a demon. It features rituals, stunning Himalayan landscapes, and rich cultural heritage.

Tiji Festival Trek in Upper Mustang Overview

The famous Tiji Festival is celebrated in the land of the old Buddhist Kingdom of Lo Manthang and is a beautiful sacred Buddhist Himalayan ceremony. The festival involves a series and sequence of three-day rituals celebrated at the end of May every year. The monks and lamas of Lo Manthang will state the date after the Tibetan New Year; Tibetan Lhosar generally falls in February/March.

The Tiji Festival is, a series of three-day celebrations also known as "The Chasing of the Demons," and it is centered on the Tiji myth. Tiji tells the story of a deity called Dorje Jono who must battle against his demon father to protect the Kingdom of Mustang from devastation. The demon father wreaks havoc on Mustang by creating a water shortage, which, in this extremely arid land, is the most precious life-sustaining resource. Dorje Jono eventually defeats the demon and banishes him from the land. The word "Tiji" comes from "ten che," meaning the hope of Buddha Dharma prevailing in all worlds," and is effectively a spring renewal festival.

Not only this, but you are going to enjoy it, and the trek to Lo Manthang is a spectacular walk through Himalayan terrain that contrasts wildly with the lush, fertile hills and valleys located to the south of the main Himalayan chain. Upper Mustang is a desolate landscape with only a few small green fields dotting a lunar landscape but boasts a remarkable spiritual heritage. The area is one of the oldest civilizations on the earth, the medieval world uniquely preserved from modern technology. A land covered with small villages, ancient monasteries, friendly people, and breathtaking scenery. Mustang's wealth was derived from being a major trading hub on the Kali Gandaki / Thak Khola trade route between Tibet and Nepal, which reflects the rich Buddhist culture, history, laws, and customs. We, Wilderness Excursion Pvt. Ltd, operate the Tiji Festival Trekking tour in Lo Manthang of Upper Mustang every year with the best service and the most competitive package cost.

When is the Tiji Festival in 2025?

Usually, the festival is celebrated three months after Tibetan New Year (Lhosar), which falls at the end of May every year. The date for the Tiji Festival 2025 in Lo-Manthang is fixed for this May 24th, 25th, and 26th, in 2025 For group join, online booking is open. Secure your booking now.

Itinerary

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Day 01

Fly to Jomsom from Pokhara and trek Kagbeni (2800m). 3 Hours walk.

Wilderness Excursion team will take the fantastic early morning flight to Jomsom and begin our trek alongside the Kali Gandaki riverbed to the attractive village of Kagbeni. The trail is flat and quite barren, with craggy rocks and pebbles littering the trail. We get magnificent views of huge peaks such as Dhaulagiri, Tukuche and the Nilgiri Himal, whilst to the south can be seen the entire Annapurna Massif. Kagbeni with its narrow alleyways and tunnels, irrigation canals, fields of wheat and barley and large red gompa, gives us a preview of scenes that we will come across in Upper Mustang. At the north end of the village is the police check-post. Here we complete our paperwork before entering this long forbidden region of Nepal. (4 hours trekking). Overnight at Kagbeni. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner.

Max Altitude: 2800 M Meals: Breakfast, Lucnch & DinnerAccommodation: Homestay / LodgeDuration: 3 Hrs

Day 02

Trek to Tsaile (3050m), 5-6 Hours walk.

We start our trek to Chele along the east bank of Kaligandaki river. Seclude and unique landscapes along this sandy trial are mind blowing. We continue uphill and downhill to Tangbe village. The view of Nilgiri peak from this village is amazing. We pass white washed houses, crop fields and apple orchards and continue to Chhusang village. We cross the river and continue our climb up to a huge red lump of agglomerate which falls from the cliff above. We leave Kali Gandaki valley and climb a steep rocky canyon to Chele. Overnight at guesthouse. Meals: breakfast, lunch and dinner included.

Max Altitude: 3050 M Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & DinnerAccommodation: Trekking Lodge

Day 03

Trek to Ghiling (3570m), 5 - 6 Hours walk.

We go on our climb up along steep, treeless terrain along the side of a steep canyon to a pass and a cairn of rock at (3540m). We make a long gradual descend to Samar village and climb up above Samar village to a ridge. Wilderness Excursion team further descends into a large gorge and continue to a valley field. We cross a stream and climb up a ridge at (3800m). We continue our climb up and cross yet another pass. We follow the ridge and descend to Shyangmochen. We further climb to a pass at (3770m) and descend to Ghiling Village. Overnight at guesthouse. Meals: breakfast, lunch and dinner included.

Max Altitude: 3570 M Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & DinnerAccommodation: Trekking Lodge

Day 04

Trek to Tsarang (3560m). 4 Hours walk.

The trail goes up gently up to a pass called NYI La and descends below to a valley. We cross a steel bridge over the Tangmar Chu (river) and follow the way to the longest Mani wall in Mustang. We climb a pass at 3,600m and make a long gentle descend to Tsarang Village. Wilderness Excursion team visit a huge five-storey white Dzong and red Gompa which are the major attractions of the village. Overnight at guesthouse. Meals: breakfast, lunch and dinner included.

Max Altitude: 3560 M Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & DinnerAccommodation: Trekking LodgeDuration: 4-5 Hrs

Day 05

Trek to Lo - Manthang (3840m). 5 Hours walk.

Our trail climbs up steadily to Lo-Gekar Gompa, one of the oldest Gompa of Nepal. We continue our trek with a sight of the walled city of Lo all along the trial. We make a short descent, cross a stream and climb up into the plateau of Lo-Manthang. Overnight at guesthouse. Meals: breakfast, lunch and dinner included.

Max Altitude: 3840 M Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & DinnerAccommodation: Trekking LodgeDuration: 4-5 Hrs

Day 06

Lo Manthang (3730m) – the celebration of the first day of Tiji festival

Today is the first day of Tiji Festival. We spend our day observing the dances and celebrations. Horse racing and a giant tug-of-war are the major attractions. Tibetan women in their traditional clothing with colorful jewelry, monks in their robes and dancers in elaborate costumes make the entire environment vivid and vibrant. Overnight at guesthouse. Meals: breakfast, lunch and dinner included.

Max Altitude: 3730 M Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & DinnerAccommodation: Trekking Lodge

Day 07

Second day of Tiji festival in Lo Manthang.

We can enjoy a colorful ceremony accompanied by an unusual dance of Tibetan lamas. It is done to chase away all the hungry and evil spirits from the village. We can see many people across the region participating in this ritual of purification and renewal. After the observation, we can explore the intimate alleyways and courtyards of the city or simply rent a horse and visit some of the other villages in the area. Overnight at guesthouse, breakfast, lunch and dinner included.

Max Altitude: 3730 M Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & DinnerAccommodation: Trekking Lodge

Day 08

Final day of the festival Tiji/visit Namgyal Gompa and Tingkhar or Excursion to Chhoser (Western Valley)

Today, we walk to Namgyal Gompa, a monastery that lies on a hilltop. It is an important monastery that serves as a local court to the local community people. After our visit to the monastery, we continue our tour to Tingkhar, the last village to the northwest of Lomanthang or excursion to western valley of Upper Mustang (optional). In the evening, we return back to Lo Manthang and continue the celebration of Tiji festival. Overnight at guesthouse. Meals: breakfast, lunch and dinner included.

Max Altitude: 3730 M Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & DinnerAccommodation: Trekking Lodge

Day 09

Trek to Drakmar (3820m). 6-7 Hours walk.

Today, our trail climbs up steadily. We climb a ridge at 4070m and continue to the Chogo La at 4210m, the highest point of our trek. Then we make a short and steep descent and cross the Charang River. We climb up to Lo Gekar and continue to Ghar Gompa, a small monastery. We climb up a ridge, cross a valley along some alpine meadows and drop down a steep eroded path to Drakmar. Overnight at guesthouse, breakfast, lunch and dinner included.

Max Altitude: 3820 M Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & DinnerAccommodation: Trekking LodgeDuration: 6-7 Hrs

Day 10

Trek to Shyangmochen (3800m). 5 - 6 Hours walk.

Our trail descends as we pass the stone walls and fields of Drakmar and then climbs up to a ridge. We descend to the lower part of Ghami and then to Jaite (3820m). We further descend to Chhung-Kah and follow the trial to Tama Gaon (3710m). We continue our descend until we reach Shyangmochen. Overnight at guesthouse. Meals: breakfast, lunch and dinner included.

Max Altitude: 3800 M Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & DinnerAccommodation: Trekking LodgeDuration: 5-6 Hrs

Day 11

Trek to Kagbeni (2800m) Duration: 6 hrs

We follow a stream all the way down to Chhusang and continue to Kagbeni. We can also take an alternative route to Samar by visiting Ranchung Cave which is 30-minutes longer than the usual route. Overnight at guesthouse. Meals: breakfast, lunch and dinner included.

Max Altitude: 2800 M Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & DinnerAccommodation: Trekking LodgeDuration: 6 Hrs

Day 12

Trek to Jomsom

After breakfast, we start our trek leisurely and continue to Jomsom. After completing the upper Mustang trails, we join the normal route and head on to Jomsom for an overnight halt. Overnight at guesthouse. Meals: breakfast, lunch and dinner included.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & DinnerAccommodation: Trekking Lodge

Day 13

Fly back to Pokhara.

After morning breakfast we check in the airport to fly back to Pokhara. A 30 min dramatic flight to Pokhara between gorge of the two huge mountains Annapurna and Dhaulagiri. On arrival at Pokhara airport guide will transfer to the lakeside hotel. Rest of the time explores the lake and overnight at hotel. Overnight at Kathmandu. Meals: Breakfast and lunch Included

Max Altitude: 890 M Meals: Breakfast & LunchAccommodation: Not Included

This is our standard itinerary. It can be customized or slightly changed if required considering your pace and trekking habit that cause a change of day-to-day plan.

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Cost Details

Includes

One registered English speaking and friendly local trekking guide.
1 Sharing porter for between 2 trekkers to carry your main pack (weight limit 25 kg per porter).
3 times meal: Breakfasts, Lunches and Dinner during the trip.
Tea, coffee, cookies and seasonal fresh fruits during the trek.
Guide and porters fees with all their expenses.
Lodge accommodation on twin sharing basis.
Upper Mustang and ACAP Permits
Round Jomsom flight and airport taxes.
Giude's flight fare.
All taxes, vat and office service charge etc.

Excludes

Accommodation, meals and transfers in Kathmandu and Pokhara.
Guided sightseeing and monuments entrace fees.
Bar bills, beverages such as coke, fanta, mineral water
Hot shower and hot water, laundry and toiletries.
Personal travel insurance, internet, phone calls and wifi services.
Rescue operation charge in case of emergency.
Gratitude and tips for your guide, porter and driver.

Dates & Availability

The Tiji Festival date is fixed for this year, 2025. The festival is going to be celebrated on May 24th, 25th and 26th.

What Our Clients are Saying?

based on 2 reviews

Tiji Festival 2017

Audrone Valentinaviciene- Lithuania

June 10, 2017

Upper Mustang & Nar Phu Valley via Teri La Pass (5,550m)

Alfred Daniel Schaller- Switzerland

June 16, 2016

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I did Tiji festival trek with my friends. We were 5 in the group from Lithuania and booked this cultural tour with Wilderness Excursion. Pradip from the agency did reception and welcomed us at the airport with great smile and...